JD.com expands its smart retail capabilities with connected cars
Chinese online retail giant JD.com is extending its Alpha smart home platform to the auto industry to enable drivers to control smart home devices and make online purchases directly from their cars.
A partnership with Geely will see the car maker’s 2018 Boyue SUV become the first model to include the technology which uses JD’s capabilities in AI, IoT and big data to provide users with access to location services, smart reminders, vehicle management, data analysis, voice control and other smart services. In addition, JD will integrate a one-click ecommerce experience.
The 2018 Boyue SUVs that integrate JD’s technology will support the control of over 1,000 smart home appliances and devices such as smart air purifiers, air conditioners, lighting and speakers.
The collaboration marks JD’s official entrance into the connected car market.
JD.com vice president Dr Kefeng Li said: “This partnership will bring unprecedented convenience to car drivers. As we continue to push the limits of retail, online and offline, by integrating new smart solutions and products, our advanced technology is making it easier and more convenient for our users to shop wherever and whenever they choose. In extending Alpha to cars, the sky is the limit in terms of other connected services we can offer drivers in the future. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to realise this vision.”
JD has recently made several upgrades to its Alpha platform. Towards the end of last year, the company launched the JD Smart TV Screen Alliance to enable customers to make online purchases from their TV screens.
